What is the Early Childhood Assistant Diploma Program?
The Early Childhood Assistant (ECA) program at OICC | Oxford International Career Colleges Toronto campus is a 40-week, hybrid program that prepares students to become qualified childcare workers in Ontario. Through interactive academic training, provided by early childhood education experts in the field, and hands-on practice through guaranteed practicum placements, our graduates develop the knowledge, hands-on skills, and experience needed to succeed in this in-demand field.
Why Study With Us?
Achieve a recognized post-secondary diploma in only 40 weeks.
Work in an in-demand field in Ontario.
Benefit from the flexibility of a hybrid learning model.
Guaranteed hands-on placements to help you learn how to put academic theory into practice with experts in the field.
Preparation for jobs including Early Childhood Assistant, Daycare Helper, Childcare Worker Assistant, Preschool Helper, and more!
Receive access to high-quality education with state-of-the-art facilities that inspire engaged learning and collaboration.
Gain access to Career Academy Canada – a free program designed to build your career readiness skills for success in the workplace.
Study in Vancouver
Your Career Path Starts Here
Explore the vibrant streets of downtown Vancouver, enjoy breath-taking landscapes, and make memories that will last a lifetime – all while building your knowledge and career opportunities in the hospitality and business industries.
Early Childhood Education is a field where you work directly with young children and their families, building important relationships at a formative time in their lives. In this program, you will learn how to help children build resiliency, develop social-emotional learning, and have a direct impact on children's growth.
For a limited time only, we are offering enrolled students a $2,500 scholarship to be applied to tuition. This scholarship is available to all students. Starting your journey to becoming an Early Childhood Assistant has never been this affordable!
Program Courses
Our Early Childhood Education (ECA) Diploma program was specifically designed to meet industry demand and employer needs. The ECA Diploma program is licensed by NACC (National Association of Career Colleges), which means its content, standards, and guidelines are relevant, up-to-date, and in line with industry requirements. The NACC program was developed and is maintained by a committee of academic and industry experts.
During the ECA program, our students learn from highly qualified instructors that have years of experience in the field as Early Childhood Educators. Through our quality curriculum, students develop a thorough understanding of early childhood theory, techniques, and practices required to succeed in the field.
ECED 1010 Foundations of Early Childhood Education
COMM 1010 Communications
PSYC 1030 Infant and Child Development
ECED 1020 Observation Skills
ECED 1030 Health, Safety and Nutrition
ECED 1040 Child, Family and Community
SOCI 1000 Introduction to Sociology
ECED 1050 Play-Based Early Learning Strategies
ECED 1060 Language and Literacy
PSYC 1000 Introduction to Psychology
ECED 1070 Guiding Children's Behaviour
ECED 1080 Creating Inclusive Programs
ECED 1090 Special Needs
Program Details
Students are required to participate in 325 hours of practicum placements in a full-time (40 hours per week) capacity. These practicum placements are a fantastic way to build real-world skills, improve confidence levels, and help students learn how to engage with and develop young children. At OICC, we have a 100% practicum placement rate, meaning we guarantee our students will get the valuable opportunity to experience working as an ECA.
Students will apply the basic principles of practice that they have learned in the classroom. During this placement experience, students will begin to develop a sensitive awareness to each child's uniqueness by offering time for uninterrupted play, the opportunity to make choices, and the freedom to explore and interact with others. Faculty supervisors will observe students in action with the children, clarify student expectations and responsibilities, and provide feedback regarding strengths and needs.
Practicum 2 | 200 hours: Preschool classroom in licensed daycare centre, early learning centre, or kindergarten classroom
Students will apply the basic principles of practice learned in class. Faculty supervisors will observe students in action with the children, clarify student expectations and responsibilities, and provide feedback regarding strengths and needs.
Early Childhood Assistant (ECA) Career Opportunities
Whether you aim to work as an ECA in a licensed daycare facility, work with families in their homes, or even open your own licensed home daycare, our Early Childhood Assistant Diploma program will help get you started on your career path and one step closer to achieving your goals.
The Government of Canada Labour Market Information reports that the employment outlook will be good for Early Childhood Assistants (NOC 42202) for the 2024-2026 period. Job opportunities and demand will continue to increase with the Government of Ontario aiming to open up to 86,000 new child care spaces by 2026.
Once you graduate from our Early Childhood Assistant Diploma program, you have a few different career path options, including:
Early Childhood Assistant (ECA)
Daycare Helper
Child Care Worker Assistant
Preschool Helper
Educator Assistant - Junior Kindergarten
When you are enrolled in our Early Childhood Assistant Diploma program, you also join Career Academy Canada – a free career-readiness program that’s designed to help you identify and map out your career goals, as well as build the skills you need to not only succeed during interviews, but land your dream job. From resume and cover letter writing to networking and interview practice, you’ll get access to a variety of in-person and virtual workshops and tools that will help you build your career confidence and successfully enter into the childcare field.
What You Will Learn During the Program
The Early Childhood Assistant (ECA) Diploma program provides graduates with the necessary knowledge and skills required to succeed in the Canadian childcare field. In addition to academic theory taught in-class, students will also participate in two different practicum placements in a variety of settings.
What Our Students Say About Us
As a student at Oxford International, I have had the chance to meet amazing people from around the globe and have learned a lot from the excellent professors at Oxford International College.
Karen Desai
Student |
The best decision I have made in my entire life! Thank you Oxford international college. And special thanks to my instructors, Shannon Thixton, Avis Morehouse, the director-Sheila Nunn and the entire team. I love you all so dearly. Thank you 🙏
Richard Josephine Asoh
Student |
Oxford International College Toronto is always a lovely place to study.
Isaiah Chinyere
Student |
Tuition and PaymentPlans
We offer payment plan options to help make education affordable and accessible for all students. Our Admissions team will help walk you through the details and make sure you can make your educational and career goals a reality.
OICC | Oxford International Career Colleges Toronto Campus
Study in the heart of downtown Toronto, walking distance from the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, and Scotia Bank Arena. Our OICC Toronto campus is centrally-located with easy access by public transit and car, with parking available just across the street.
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